Toad Lane Concerts: Despina and Duncan Reid Violin Duo

Despina and Duncan Reid

A married couple of professional violinists saved the day when a concert pianist had to cancel his appearance due to contracting Covid.

Despina and Duncan Reid’s recital proved to be a masterclass in violin playing and also in gelling together as a duo. This was a rare opportunity to hear delightful works by great composers for the violin, the French Baroque J M Leclair, nineteenth century Romantic Spohr, and the Classical Haydn.

It was hard to believe that there were only two players involved in creating the rich tone and complex textures that resounded through the fine acoustic at St Mary’s.

Originating from Bucharest, Romania, Despina Reid started learning the violin at the age of five, and later studied at the George Enescu Lycée of Music whilst giving numerous solo recitals in concert halls across the country and live performances for Romanian TV and Radio.

In 2003, Despina won a major scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music. After graduating with Honours in 2007, Despina settled in Manchester and continues to perform both in the UK and abroad, taking part in various orchestral, chamber and solo projects. She has also worked and toured with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Despina plays on a Nicola Utili violin, made in 1912 in Bologna.

Duncan Reid, originally from Bristol, is a graduate of the joint course of the RNCM and Manchester University. He works with various orchestras and chamber ensembles, both in the local region and around the rest of the UK and is a well-regarded music teacher in schools. He also conducts the Xaverian College Chamber Orchestra.

Duncan plays on a fine example of a Joseph Hel violin made in Paris during the 1890's.

This was an uplifting and fitting way to start 2022 for the Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum.

The award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available at the moment, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

Dr Joe Dawson